Rotifer Diversity in Coal Mine Generated Pit Lakes of Raniganj Coal Field Area, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The research looks at the rotifer diversity in five different coal mine generated pit lakes from Raniganj Coal Field Area (RCF), West Bengal, India. The collection methodology was involved monthly sampling (n = 120) to analyze the rotifer diversity using surface hauling with standard plankton net of mesh size 55 µm and water column at different depths (20 cm to 50 cm) for the periods of two years (February 2018 – January 2020). Analyzes of some limnological parameters and macrophytes were also performed following standard protocol. Statistical analysis based on the physicochemical parameters showed that Harabhanga and Dhandardihi 1 Pit Lakes were more similar while Dhandardihi 1 Pit Lake and Dhandardihi 2 Pit Lake were more alike in terms of rotifer community structure. Seventeen taxa of rotifers under the five families were found with varying densities and diversity indices. The highest diversity was observed in the Searsole Pit Lake, and the dominant species was Keratella tropica Apstein. The five pit lakes can be separated from each other based on the variations in rotifer diversity and water quality parameters, advocating the implementation of limnological management. Our results indicated different abiotic and biotic variables influencing the rotifer assemblages and diversity of the pit lakes studied.